Mud Lake

May 9, 2016

We met cousins Anne & Bruce at 8:00 am.  It was very cold and the birds had not awakened.  But by 9, activity began and we saw a Palm and Pine Warbler along with dozens of Yellowrumps.

We also saw many other species.  We met a friend of Anne & Bruce's who showed us the location of a Northern Flicker on the nest and also a Pileated Woodpecker nest hole.

Algonquin Park

February 22 & 24

We passed through Algonquin Park both going to and coming from our ski trip with friends Rich & Lorna at Huntsville/Arrowhead Park.

On the way there, we stopped at the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder where we saw lots of Blue Jays and a few fleeting glimpses of Evening Grosbeaks.  Across the road at the Spruce Bog parking lot, we also saw a Gray Jay and a few of the usual suspects.  Further along the highway, we were entertained by a Ruffed Grouse crossing the road.

  

On the way home, the Visitor Centre area was more productive.  We saw many Evening Grosbeaks and both Red and White-winged Crossbills on the access road.

The snow started at Barry's Bay, but was never an issue for us.  We even had time to stop at Wilber Lake to photograph two Bald Eagles, one a full adult and the other perhaps a two-year old bird.

Luskville & Area with Connie, Jane & Guy

February 9, 2016

After picking up Guy in Hull, we drove through Aylmer to Chemin de la Montagne and Ch. Tyler to try for a Tufted Titmouse at a nearby feeder.  Sightline were poor and we saw no sign of the desired bird, only Blue Jays.

We move back to Ch. de la Rivière and cruised the farm fields where we saw a Rough-legged Hawk.

We carried on to the Eardley-Masham Road where we stopped at a feeder and saw lots of common winter birds, but no rarities.

Further along the road we spotted a Bald Eagle flying right over the car as the snow drifted down.

Harlequin Duck

January 18, 2016

We finally got a sunny day, so returned to Bate Island to look for the Harlequin.  This time it was right below the rapids diving frequently.  As it was quite close, we managed some decent photos.

OFO Ottawa Outing with Roy John & Dave Moore

January 16, 2016

We met at the Coliseum theatre complex and headed to Bate Island to look for the Harlequin Duck.  There were several people out including Alan and Carol.  It was freezing with the wind off the water, but we eventually saw our target rather far out on a slush floe. The fog made it hard to see let alone photograph.

 Our next stop was New Edinburgh to look for the Summer Tanger again. We spent quite a bit of time there checking out various spots along Avon Lane, but were not successful.  However, an adult Cooper’s Hawk showed up and posed for a great photo.

Reluctantly, we moved on to the Rideau Tennis Club.  We could see only Common Goldeneyes and Mallards.  Undaunted Roy led us towards Hurdsman’s Bridge, where we finally saw a male Barrow’s Goldeneye.  Having found two out of the three targets, we decided to call it a day.

Summer Tanager

January 11, 2016

It's hard to believe, but Ottawa has another rarity.  We decided to combine a trip to the India visa office with a visit to the Summer Tanager.  It was a bitterly cold day, and we almost gave up hope after waiting a good ten minutes.  We got back in the car and drove slowly by; and there is was at the feeder with some House Finches.  We then went to the Rideau Tennis Club to check out the river from the new pedestrian bridge.  There were the usual Common Goldeneyes and a Common Merganser in with the Mallards.  The cold wind off the river on the bridge was decidedly unpleasant.

First Ski Trip to the Gatineaus

January 7, 2016

We finally go a free day to go skiing, so we headed up to P7 at Kingsmere.  At the junction of  Trails 8 and 30, Barbara spotted a Barred Owl high in a Pine Tree - good spotting!

We skied on to Shilly Shally where some on the regulars were at the feeders.  We are glad the NCC put the feeders back.